Meet the Breeder/Owner Handler: Curtis Freeling

Meet the Breeder/Owner Handler: Curtis Freeling

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Curtis Freeling: I purchased a dog right after I bought my first house. I worked for a privately-owned pet shop while I was in high school. The owners showed Wire Fox Terriers. I was always told to never buy a dog from a pet store. You can get a healthier dog, and an ongoing support system, by going through a breeder.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Curtis Freeling: I have always shown my own dogs. From the very beginning, it was a great way to be around a supportive community of breeders to learn from.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Curtis Freeling: I have not attended any handling classes. I would sit ringside all day, before and after my ring time, and watch the professional handlers present their dogs. I would watch how they set up, gaited, free-stacked, adjusted the speed of movement, etc. I also learned very quickly that it is also partially about you: how you dress, colors you wear, speed you gait your dog, and showing off the best parts of your dog. It’s a team effort, for sure.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful?

Curtis Freeling: I have learned the most from watching videos of myself showing. I can see if I’m over-stacking or moving my dogs at the correct speed. You think you’re doing all right until you can sit back and see yourself. Every dog is different, and you must learn how each dog works so that you can add to the overall presentation.

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Curtis Freeling: I do compete in the NOHS. I look at rankings as a goal. If you and your dog performed well, and whatever you have been working on improved, it’s a win. Big ribbons and rankings are the ultimate goal but not everything.

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Curtis Freeling: The Bred-by class is a privilege to show in. It shows everyone that this is your breeding and gives a sense of pride. It highlights your dedication to the next generation of your bloodline. Specialties are very important. This is the time you can compare your breeding to others from all over the county/world. It is a chance to evaluate breeding stock from other kennels that could potentially advance your breeding program. It’s a way to talk about the future of the breed and working together to breed healthy and beautiful generations of dogs.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Curtis Freeling: I wouldn’t say it is a challenge to compete as a Breeder/Owner Handler, but it means more to me as it highlights my actual breeding. It is a little more stressful but so rewarding
and prideful.

8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Curtis Freeling: I have learned so much from my breeder, Michelle Paulin. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge and support. Mary Dukes, Andy Linton, Valerie Nunes Atkinson, Alicia Morrison Jones, and Jamie Souza Bartlett have all been huge supporters and teachers over my career in the dog show world. The knowledge and expertise that these (and so many others I haven’t mentioned) have shared have all been crucial to my success as a Breeder/Owner Handler.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Curtis Freeling: I think that the future is dependent on the Breeder/Owner Handlers. We must rely on them to continue to breed healthy dogs for the good of everyone.

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Curtis Freeling: You must have a support system to help you through the process. It is a lot of work, but it is extremely rewarding. If you don’t have a mentor or support, it is scary and overwhelming.

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Curtis Freeling: I have been extremely blessed with my dogs over the years. I have won about everything that I have wanted with my breeding. I am still missing a BIS. I have had a few Reserve BIS in both the US and Canada. I have won the Breed at Westminster and many Breed Specialties. I have also had top and record-breaking coursing dogs throughout the years. I really don’t have any complaints. It’s all a journey, and when it’s with your dogs, it’s all a win.